Why CrossFit and when did you start?: I started CrossFit in late 2009 after trying just about everything else – group fitness classes at the globo gym, running half marathons, rec sports, countless hours on the elliptical and treadmill. I had played basketball in college and nothing else seemed to fill the void after I graduated. And then I found CrossFit…

After my first CrossFit workout, I was exhausted but I was hooked. It just made sense – do functional movements at high intensity, eat clean and see results. The workouts were some of the most challenging things I had done, both mentally and physically, but I always wanted more and always left with a smile on my face.

There’s just something about CrossFit that is so empowering, energizing and fun – and I can’t wait to share it with as many people as possible. As a CrossFit trainer, I constantly strive to change the perception of CrossFit and to make it accessible and unintimidating. I truly think it can create such great quality of life improvements for anyone willing to commit to the program, regardless of if you’re 27 or 77.

Why CrossFit and when did you start?: A good friend of mine who was also a peer fitness trainer for a neighboring Fire Department introduced me to CrossFit in 2008. He introduced me to “Cindy” (5 Pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 air squats, As Many As Possible in 20 minutes). It was sweaty, exhausted love at first gasp! I had been unknowingly utilizing some of the CrossFit principals in my own training and coaching at the time, but hadn’t even begun to put this kind of structure to it. I had previously utilized a globo-type gym lifting coupled with other types of fitness, road and mountain bicycling, yoga and running, to stay fit for work and play. CrossFit showed me a much better system to combine the functional aspects of these movements for a well-rounded program that produced results! Amazing results! Needless to say, I was hooked!Also amazing to me was the direct crossover to firefighter fitness and safety. CrossFit is clearly the best physical preparation for effective and safe fire ground operations that there is. Most of the workouts found in crossfit emulate the physical taxation of fighting fire. And if you spent at least 4 days a week preparing your body to fight fire, then when the bell rings your ready to perform at your best. And so the path was clear, bring as many co-workers into the crossfit fold as possible. Through the fire service I attended CrossFit training and seminars so that I could bring back this innovative system and share it with my co-workers.So here I am, five years later and still passionate about what I have experienced. Not only have I witnessed benefits for my fire department co-workers and family, but also in my personal life. My over all conditioning and core strength have surpassed my own expectations. I find myself doing feats I never thought I could. Can I get a “hey” for PR’s?! And the best part of all is I get to share this with others. Because I believe that everyone can benefit from CrossFit!

Favorite CrossFit movement/WOD: Really hard to pick just one, Box jumps are fun and “Linda” AKA the three bars of death. Not that I like the “death” part, but its real challenging and feels so good to finish!

Why CrossFit and when did you start?: My brother introduced me to the sport in 2008. He tried to convince me to join by converting the cost into lattes – but once I started seeing and feeling the results of the workouts – I had already calculated the investment in the form of good health, and wished I had started sooner.

Favorite CrossFit movement/WOD: “Cindy” and “Murph” have been my favorite benchmark WODs in terms of the measurability of personal progress, but “13.1” will always hold a special place in my heart.

Favorite paleo food: Yams, bacon, macadamia nuts, freeze dried mango.

Favorite non-paleo food: Pizza, beer, chocolate.

Favorite thing to do when not CrossFitting: Outside of CrossFitting and coaching, I work in the coffee industry, and as a Course Technician at an aerial adventure course. When I’m not “working,” I play in a band, attend soccer matches, take Norwegian classes, and frequent my neighborhood rock climbing gym.

Will Baxter, Coach

Laura Searing, Coach

Why CrossFit and when did you start?: 3 years ago, it's the most fun workout I have ever participated in. It isn't really a workout it's playtime for an hour.

Favorite CrossFit movement/WOD: Favorites are any oly bar work, especially squat snatch. Favorite WODs are Oly bar with a body weight modality in a doublet or triplet. Not a big fan of chippers, rowing or running.

Favorite paleo food: Beef, prepared in any fashion.

Favorite non-paleo food: French fries or corn chips.

Favorite thing to do when not CrossFitting: Hands down hanging out with my friends eating French fries and corn chips (with wine or beer)!

Christian Basilio, Coach

Why CrossFit and when did you start? In 2013, my life changed as I met a physical therapist who focused on rehabilitation through functional movement. This same physical therapist introduced to me to CrossFit and how CrossFit is a movement practice or a place to "rehabilitate" foundational movements that every person is wired with. This idea is the leading reason why I am driven to coach/train. The icing on the cake is that with CrossFit, you are able to focus on your movement patterns and induce hard work at the same time!

Favorite Paleo food: Cow

Favorite non-Paleo food: Fries on top of pizza with a side of Doritos.

Favorite thing to do when not CrossFitting: Quality time with the Wifey.

Morgan Hamilton, Coach & Fundamentals Lead

Why CrossFit and when did you start?:I had just moved to Seattle and retired from roller derby and was looking for an activity to fill my time, keep me active and help me meet people in a new city. My husband suggested that I try CrossFit because he thought it looked like something I would enjoy. I was skeptical at first but once I started taking the Fundamentals course (at CFPR! HOLLA!) I was hooked. I absolutely fell in love! It's been a little over a year since the first day I walked into the gym and now I can't imagine my life without it.

Favorite CrossFit movement/WOD: Running! Just kidding. I really love anything with a barbell. Heavy lifting days are like therapy for me. When I walk in and see barbell movements on the board I get really happy. I guess if I had to pick a favorite I'd say Front Squat.

Favorite paleo food:Steak. Which, I'm sure you'll cringe to know, I eat well done. The more burnt the better. Mmmmmm!